Evaluation on network-based food poisoning event reporting in Heilongjiang, 2004-2012

Objective To evaluate the quality of the network-based reporting of food poisoning events in Heilongjiang province from 2004 to 2012 and provide scientific evidence to further improve the quality of investigation reporting. Methods The analysis was conducted on the completeness, timeliness, accuracy and content of food poisoning event reporting in Heilongjiang during this period according to relevant standard. Results Totally 58 food poisoning events were reported through network. The completeness rate of the reporting was 18.97%; the median interval between the onset of the events and discovery of the events was 418 min; the median interval between the discovery and network reporting was 318 min. Etiological laboratory confirmation was made for 39.47% of food poisoning events. In the final reporting, the incidence curves were drawn for 23.6% of the events, the index cases of 47.37% of the events and incubation periods of 68.42% of the cases were described, and suspected meals and foods were identified for the most events, but detail food processing information was provided for only 42.11% of the events, post surveillance and infection source tracing were conducted for 5.26% of the events Conclusion The completeness, timeliness and accuracy of reporting of food poisoning events should be further improved by strengthening staff training to improve their ability of the event response and survey.